Talk Radio
A viciously charismatic Dallas shock jock battles network control, personal instability, and extremist threats as his radio empire reaches a perilous crossroads.
Overview
A provocative radio host navigates the treacherous waters of fame and controversy, facing threats from all sides.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- confrontational
- sardonic
- volatile
- late night viewing
- political film double feature
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the gripping collaboration between Oliver Stone and Eric Bogosian, especially its intense portrait of a deliberately abrasive radio personality.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Barry Champlain's confrontational broadcasts depend on insulting callers and sustaining controversy.
The film follows the crucial days surrounding Barry's possible national syndication and the escalating threats against him.
Barry fears network management will soften or redirect the controversial content that made his show successful.
The radio program brings Barry into direct contact with admirers, enemies, racists, and anonymous callers across the political spectrum.
Films like Talk Radio, and why
Network
media-centered moral conflict, abrasive protagonist, and intense examination of public rhetoric
The King of Comedy
claustrophobic psychological drama driven by a volatile, charismatic central performance
Man on the Moon
darkly comic portrait of a controversial public personality confronting fame and self-destruction
Movie Details
- Director
- Oliver Stone
- Release Date
- 1988-12-23
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (257)
Cast
- Eric Bogosian
- Ellen Greene
- Leslie Hope
- John C. McGinley
- Alec Baldwin
- John Pankow
- Michael Wincott
- Linda Atkinson
- Robert Trebor
- Zach Grenier
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Talk Radio about?
- A viciously charismatic Dallas shock jock battles network control, personal instability, and extremist threats as his radio empire reaches a perilous crossroads.
- What is Talk Radio like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Talk Radio as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Talk Radio violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Talk Radio as mild.
- What did critics think of Talk Radio?
- Critics broadly praised the gripping collaboration between Oliver Stone and Eric Bogosian, especially its intense portrait of a deliberately abrasive radio personality.
- Which films are like Talk Radio?
- Films with a similar feel include Network, The King of Comedy, and Man on the Moon.
- How long is Talk Radio?
- Talk Radio runs 109 minutes.
- Where can I watch Talk Radio?
- In United States, Talk Radio is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
